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For nearly a year, Evanston’s elected officials have been working to address health care professionals’ concerns about the city’s lack of adequate mental health resources.
Even though Monday is World Mental Health Day, Patty Kapouch, CEO of Partners in Impact Behavioral Health, said there still aren’t enough options for those experiencing mental health crises in Evanston.
“There is a transition with no city government and new council members,” she said. The city has not actually consistently funded mental health services.
Still, Kapouch said mental health resources have become an increasing priority for the City Council in recent months. Last spring, Evanston earmarked $900,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for a no-cost “living room” walk-in and call center for adults experiencing mental health crises.
But fully functional living room It is far from opening.
“I think the proposals that will be finalized this month have a question, and that’s what we’re missing,” Capouch said. “I’m very pleased to see that they are finally looking to restore some of the services that have been lost through some funding decisions.”
In August, Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare Emergency Response Program It began operating full-time, meaning Illinois residents can access a toll-free mobile crisis line at any time of the day. Evanston has invested in a program that maintains its relationship with the Evanston Police Department.
in Evanston Last city council meetingTrilogy officials presented on the progress, achievements and challenges of the program.
“We offer mobile responses at any time of the day,” said Chris Mayer, clinical director of crisis services. with Trilogy Behavioral Health, said at the meeting. “I believe our partnership (with EPD) is strong … they have the highest involvement of any police agency.
Some community members have expressed concern that police may respond to excessive calls to Trilogy, which could exacerbate some situations and ultimately not serve the person in need.
Although emergency services like Salon Room and Trilogy are critical, Kapowk said it’s important for Evanston residents to have more long-term counseling and treatment options.
Some mental health care agencies in Evanston have waiting lists of 200 to 300, so the city says it’s important to invest in systems that track urgent care. Kapouch said she works at Impact Behavioral Health Partners, providing long-term care to clients.
“It’s very difficult for people who need treatment to get it,” Capouch said. “We look at the participants and how we can help them live independently.”
Mental health care providers at Impact work to understand their clients’ long-term goals, Capouch said. A sustained investment in long-term mental health care can make a big difference in the city, he said.
The city currently contracts with Amita Health St. Francis Hospital. To provide free support, education and advice. It also introduced additional resources, including Call 4 Calm, a free emotional support text line, as well as forthefrontlines.org, a website for health care professionals and essential workers.
However, most of these facilities do not serve children with mental health crises. Diana Samano, a social worker at North Shore Pediatrics, said the outbreak has greatly increased anxiety among children.
“They see a lot of people wearing masks in public, and they’re not used to that,” she said. “You have to calm them down.”
North Shore Pediatrics works directly with children with mental health problems and refers patients to services such as speech or occupational therapy. But the program doesn’t take Medicaid and only works with certain insurance policies, Samano said.
Still, Kapouch said she feels optimistic about the future of mental health care investment in the city. She worked with a coalition of health care providers to highlight the importance of mental health during the outbreak, and the city stepped up its commitment to resources.
“We want to come together to make sure we’re helping Evanston residents connect with services,” she said. “The pandemic has brought mental health to the fore, … mental health matters.”
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Twitter: @avanidkalra
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Twitter: @saullpink
Related stories:
– ‘Everyone’s welcome’: A peer-led model of mental health crisis care comes to Evanston
– Chicago-area groups use counseling, support to address immigrant mental health issues
– The City Council will hear updates about Trilogy’s emergency response program and salon room.
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